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There are a lot of great things about renting, but many would argue that getting ready for a regular property inspection isn’t one of them.
A lot of tenants worry unnecessarily about their rental inspections, even though it’s simply a chance for your
landlord and/or property manager to check that everything at the property is okay and that it’s being well looked after.
A simple clean and de-clutter might be all that’s needed to get the property ready for an inspection – the same that you might do if you were
having guests come over for a visit.
Here are some tips to help you get ready for your next inspection:
Make sure everything looks clean and tidy
The place doesn’t need to look perfect, but your property manager will want to see that you’re taking care of the place and
not letting maintenance issues build up.
It’s a good idea to mop and vacuum floors and to wipe down countertops and any dusty or dirty surfaces.
Pay attention to kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms can get grubby very quickly if they’re not cleaned regularly.
Try to make these areas shine as best you can and tend to any issues such as mould or soup scum.
Don’t forget the garden
If there’s a garden at your rental then don’t forget that this requires maintenance too.
You’ll be in good stead with your landlord if you keep your garden neat and tidy and keep
on top of mowing, trimming and pulling out weeds.
Bring up any issues
A property inspection is a good opportunity for tenants to discuss any issues that they might be having with the property.
Make a list of any problems, such as a running toilet or a faulty electrical point, and point them out to your property manager. It might be worth
being present at the inspection so you can demonstrate the issues in person.
Overall a property inspection is for the tenant’s and the landlord’s benefit. It’s likely only going to take a few minutes and
then you can relax and enjoy a clean and tidy home afterwards.
It’s time to make your home green
Climate change concerns aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, which means we all need to start looking at what we can do to reduce
our environmental impact.
Making the change to living a more sustainable lifestyle can seem overwhelming, but an easy place to start is in the home.
A few simple changes can set you on the path to making a big difference to the future of the environment.
So where do you begin?
Use energy efficient appliances – If you’re looking to replace any appliances in your home then try to find ones
that have a high energy rating – this will not only be better for the environment but it will save you money on your power bill too.
Cut back on water use – There’s a number of ways you can reduce water usage in the home. You can simply be mindful
of your water use by taking shorter showers or only turning the dishwasher on when it’s full, or you can install water saving shower heads and taps too.
Go solar – A solar system can be expensive to install, but it will help reduce your reliance on the energy grid, and the power savings over
time may help make up for the initial cost.
Plant more trees – One easy way we can all do our bit to help the planet is to plant more trees. Plant away at your property and use
tree placement to your advantage. Trees and other plants can have a myriad of benefits such as providing shade and insulation, and they look great too!
Choose products that will last – Try not to get too caught up in trends and the need to replace items in your home constantly.
It’s better to opt for high quality products that are built to last and in a classic style that won’t date too quickly.
Upcycle – When you do need to buy something new, shop around in your own home before you hit the stores. You might find
an old piece of furniture that could be reused with a bit of mending or a new coat of paint.
